Maryland State Wire

Evan Strauss, a 27-year-old resident of Moneta, Virginia, has pled guilty to several federal charges including conspiracy, cyberstalking, interstate threatening communications, and threats to damage or destroy by means of fire and explosives. This announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Amanda M. Koldjeski from the FBI's Baltimore Field Office.

Strauss was involved in an online group called "Purgatory," which coordinated swatting and doxxing activities through platforms like Telegram and Instagram. Swatting involves making false emergency reports to provoke armed law enforcement responses, while doxxing entails publishing private information about individuals online with malicious intent.

From December 2023 to January 2024, Strauss and his co-conspirators made numerous swatting calls that led to armed police responses. They used Voice over Internet Protocol services to hide their identities during these calls.

In one incident, Strauss falsely reported gunfire at a school in Newark, Delaware. His Maryland-based co-conspirator then threatened violence against specific individuals at the same location. The resulting panic caused a lockdown at the school as authorities responded.

Strauss also encouraged another conspirator to disrupt Albany International Airport by making violent threats using VOIP services. Additionally, threats were made against a residential area in Dothan, Alabama.

Strauss faces significant prison time for his actions—up to 10 years for each count related to threats involving fire or explosives and up to five years for conspiracy-related charges. Sentencing is set for November 6th.

The investigation received support from multiple law enforcement agencies across various states. Co-conspirators Brayden Grace and Owen Jarboe have already pled guilty and await sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the FBI's role in the investigation along with other contributing agencies across the country.